In person in Olympia & online across Washington State

Therapy for Vegans & Vystopia - with a Vegan Therapist

Live life in alignment with your values.

 

Being vegan can be hard.

Whether you’re new to being vegan or have been for years, being vegan in a non-vegan world comes with challenges.

Maybe you’re feeling…

  • Overwhelmed, hopeless, or depressed by the magnitude of suffering you see.

  • Anxious about family dinners with your grandmother (how do you not offend her??), or that mandatory work-lunch with your boss at the non-vegan restaurant they chose.

  • Tired of others telling you that you’re “too sensitive” or that your vegan lifestyle is “extreme.”

  • Simultaneously burned out and guilty that you’re not doing more. You do the best you can, but it still feels like it’s not enough.

Are you looking for support as you navigate being vegan in a non-vegan world?

Therapy for Vegans & Vystopia can help.

But…what is Vystopia?

 

Vystopia is a term coined by vegan psychologist Clare Mann, meant to describe the anguish of being vegan in a non-vegan world. For some, learning of the systematic harm that animals in our world face can lead to intense feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, isolation, and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The term Vystopia is meant to describe this experience.

 

MY APPROACH TO THERAPY FOR VEGANS & VYSTOPIA

Wondering what it might feel like to experience hope or joy again? While this might feel out of reach, I’m here to tell you: it is possible.

While many vegans find themselves experiencing similar challenges and experiences related to being vegan, no two people are the same. With this in mind, our work together will be tailored specifically to you.

First, we’ll talk about your history, how you’re doing now, and what you want to get out of our time together. From there, we’ll come up with a plan to help you get to where you want to be, and meet regularly to help you get there. Sessions often consist of identifying what’s stressful or challenging in your life and helping you work through these things in a way that feels supportive and aligned with your values. Our time together might also include other types of therapy, like EMDR and the Flash technique, which can help you gain insight and minimize distress regarding upsetting things you’ve experienced or seen.

We’ll work together to help you build hope, confidence, and a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling.

Therapy for Vegans & Vystopia can help you:

  • Make sense of what you’re feeling and what you’ve experienced related to being vegan (and otherwise!).

  • Learn to cope with the magnitude of suffering you see and the feelings that come along with it.

  • Build your skills when it comes to communicating with others about your values and decisions.

  • Feel more confident about navigating social situations - while staying true to your values.

  • Regain a sense of hope and optimism for the future.

  • Build a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling.

 

Looking for a Vegan Therapist?

As someone who is vegan, I understand the desire to work with someone who is supportive and understands your values. I’ve been vegan since 2012 and have had to navigate my own interesting experiences with family, friends, co-workers, medical professionals, and others since then.

In addition to helping people navigate challenges related to being vegan, I also specialize in helping adults overcome past abuse and relational trauma, or trauma that arises out of relationships with others. I enjoy working with folks who are neurodivergent or highly sensitive, including those who are ADHD, Autistic, and AuDHD, and am neurodivergent myself. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and am honored to support others while they explore their identities. I work with adults of all ages, genders, races, cultures, and orientations.

Being vegan for more than a decade, in addition to being a social worker and trauma therapist, has given me a unique set of skills to support you as you navigate life.

If you’re looking for a vegan therapist who understands and supports your values and lifestyle, I’d be happy to talk with you. Schedule an initial consultation with me to get started.

Want to build a life full of hope and meaning?

Schedule Initial Consult Now

FAQS

Common questions about therapy for Vegans & Vystopia

  • Vegan means not consuming products that are derived from animals.

    A person who follows a vegan diet generally doesn’t eat anything that comes from animals, including meat, eggs, dairy, seafood, or other animal products.

    Some people also choose not to wear animal products (leather, feathers, etc.) or use personal care products that contain animal-derived ingredients (such as cosmetics).

  • Vystopia is a term coined by vegan psychologist Clare Mann, meant to describe the anguish of being vegan in a non-vegan world. For some, learning of the systematic harm that animals in our world face can lead to intense feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, isolation, and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The term Vystopia is meant to describe this experience.

  • Yes. I’ve been vegan since 2012.

  • Yes. In addition to working with people who are vegan, I also enjoy working with people who are non-vegan, as well as those who are vegan-ish, vegetarian, pescatarian, or just curious.

  • Therapy for Vegans & Vystopia starts with an intake session, during which we’ll talk about your history, how you’re doing now, and your goals - or what you want to get out of our time together. From there, we’ll come up with a plan to help you get to where you want to be, then meet regularly - usually weekly - to help you get there. Sessions often consist of talking about how things are going, identifying what’s stressful or troublesome in your life, and helping you work through challenges in a way that feels supportive and aligned with your values. Our time together might also include other types of therapy, like EMDR and the Flash technique, which can help you gain insight and minimize distress regarding upsetting things you’ve experienced or seen.

  • How long you need to be in therapy will depend on your past experiences, how you’re doing now, and what you want to get out of this experience. Some people choose to work with me for several months, while others work with me for more than a year. Everyone is different, and ultimately you will decide how long you want to be in therapy.

  • Before we begin working together, we’ll start with an initial consultation to make sure that what I offer will be a good fit for you. If we decide to work together, we’ll check in throughout the process to ensure you’re feeling supported and like you’re making progress toward your goals. If you end up feeling like we’re not good fit or you’re not getting what you want out of therapy, I can help you connect with another therapist who might be a better fit.

  • To get started, you can click here to schedule an initial consultation. During our consultation, we’ll talk about what’s led you to seek therapy, what you’d like to get out of our work together, and I’ll answer any questions you’ll have. If it seems like we’ll be a good fit, you’ll have the option to schedule your first session at that time. If we’re not a great fit, I can refer you to another therapist in my network. Or if you need time to think about things, that’s ok too!